Impact of Physical Activity on Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Quality of Life of the Older People in Brazil

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Date
2023Author
FIGUEIRA, Helena Andrade
FIGUEIRA, Olivia Andrade
FIGUEIRA, Alan Andrade
FIGUEIRA, Joana Andrade
POLO-LEDESMA, Reinaldo Emilio
SILVA, Carlos Roberto Lyra da
DANTAS, Estelio Henrique Martin
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Background: Population aging all over the world invites older people to be active, con-
sidering physical activity (PA) as associated with reduced anxiety, depression and stress and a high
quality of life (QOL) in older people. Objective: To analyze anxiety, depression, stress and QOL
as a function of PA in older people. Methodology: Descriptive analytical research. Six hundred
and ninety older people answered the instrument composed of sociodemographic questions, fol-
lowed by questions from the WHOQOL-Old, Baecke-Old, WHOQOL-SRPB, Stress Perception Scale,
Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The beneficial effect of PA on
the elderly is evident in this sample with such a high QoL (73%) and such a high level of physical
activity (84%), and even with an advanced level of education (75%) and high spirituality (99.6%).
The influence of PA on the anxiety and stress cluster showed Pearson’s chi-square = 9.9, DF = 4,
p = 0.04239, critical value = 9.5. The influence of PA on the anxiety, depression and stress cluster
showed Pearson’s chi-square = 6.8; DF = 5; p-value = 0.24; critical value = 11.1. Conclusion: In the
elderly, PA has a significant relationship with anxiety, stress and QOL. In addition, the high level of
QOL of the elderly in the sample demonstrates the capacity for PA, educational level and spirituality
for personal satisfaction.